Premium India
Premium India
Premium India
11 Days Starting and ending in Delhi
Visiting: Delhi, Agra, Ranthambhore National Park, Jaipur, Varanasi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HHPG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$3635NB: Prices correct on 31-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Welcome to northern India, where ancient religion, cultural heritage and spirituality come together. On this 10-day Premium adventure, you’ll discover the Pink City of Jaipur, see the Mughal splendours of Delhi and Agra, safari through Ranthambhore National Park in search of tigers and soak up the ambience of holy Varanasi on a sunrise cruise. A local leader will bring the magic of India to light, from lavish palaces to vibrant bazaars and the incomparable Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Packed with hotspots and hidden gems, you’ll discover the cultural heart of India through Exclusive Experiences, incredible accommodation and local interaction.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: The Grand Hotel or similar
Meals Included: dinner
Namaste! Welcome to India. When you arrive at Delhi Airport, you’ll be collected and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure then begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your local leader and fellow group of travellers. Until then, you can use any time before the meeting to explore this exciting capital city. Filled with historical sites from different eras, museums, galleries and endless bazaars, there’s plenty to see in Delhi. After your meeting, head out for dinner at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants that has been delighting visitors for more than 80 years. The iconic restaurant is credited with introducing India to ice cream and fine dining!
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Agra
Location: Agra
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Hotel (Previously Crystal Sarovar Premier) or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Today, make the drive to Agra. Take some time to settle in, then head out to visit India's most iconic structure at sunset – the spectacular Taj Mahal. Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th-century Taj was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife and is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture, surrounded by trimmed English gardens. Meet with a Taj Mahal guide who will illuminate the fascinating history of this world-famous Wonder of the World as you take a tour at sunset. Beyond its most famous structure, Agra also boasts a marvellous food scene, so tonight, a local expert will join you on a street food tour away from the main tourist trail and help you understand Agra’s cuisine and culture. Stop by a 19th-century shop serving up age-old recipes from the Braj region of India and visit hyperlocal eateries most visitors to Agra never see. You’ll also pass by the incredible Jama Masjid of Agra – one of the largest mosques in India.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Ranthambhore National Park
Location: Ranthambhore National Park
Accommodation: The Sher Garh Resort or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Start the day with a visit to one of the finest looking forts in India – the Agra Fort. Learn how a fortress and prison was built out of red sandstone by Akbar in 1565, then conversions and additions by Shah Jahan transformed the fort into a palace. Explore elegant courtyards and a labyrinth of buildings while you try to take in the grand scale of this remarkable structure. After, depart Agra and make your way to Ranthambore. When you arrive, you might like to take a stroll around town, put your feet up and relax beside the pool or enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Ranthambhore National Park
Location: Ranthambhore National Park
Accommodation: The Sher Garh Resort or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Rise early for a morning safari this morning. Ranthambore National Park is one of the original Project Tiger reserves – a place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples and is teeming with wildlife. In 4WD safari vehicles, you’ll take game drives to search for animals, including the famed tiger that stalks this jungle. Even if they are too stealthy to see, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital) and leopards. Enjoy some downtime at the resort in the afternoon, then venture back out for an evening safari through the park – another chance to spot some of this region’s resident tiger population. You may also have the opportunity to explore the 1000-year-old Ranthambore Fort, where two pavilions that have survived the ravages of war and time, Badal Mahal and Hammirs Court, give an idea of its old grandeur.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (Feature Stay) or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Today, you’ll travel to Jaipur – the capital of the Rajasthan region – and your Feature Stay, the fabulous Hotel Narain Niwas Palace. This heritage hotel has been run by the same family since its opening in 1928 and retains the warm feel of a traditional family home, while opulent touches emanate from every corner – think chandeliers, stained glass windows and peacocks roaming the grounds. Surrounded by a swimming pool and lush gardens, this place is a magical escape, away from the rush of the outside world. Take some time to settle in, then join your leader on a walking tour through the crowded streets packed with cars, camel carts, rickshaws, trucks and bicycles. Hear stories of the city’s culture and history as you explore crowded bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles, folk art, and the local speciality of semi-precious stones. Head to the home of a local family for a homecooked dinner and chat to your friendly hosts about their way of life ad you learn their culinary secrets.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Jaipur
Location: Jaipur
Accommodation: Hotel Narain Niwas Palace (Feature Stay) or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Begin the day with a visit to the Amber Fort – the jewel of Jaipur. Your leader will share the stories of a fallen empire as you explore ornate rooms, murals, frescoed arches and delicate jali work. After, stop at one of India's most photographed buildings – the Hawa Mahal or 'Palace of the Winds.’ Visit the striking City Palace, with its blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Tour the grounds and learn about its construction by the founder of Jaipur. Later in the afternoon, hop on a rickshaw and travel to a royal haveli. Haveli’s are old mansions which were ornately decorated as a display of wealth, many of which remain across the city today. You’ll meet the owner of the haveli for a tour of the property and they’ll share photos and stories of his ancestors who once ruled the nearby provinces. Head to the rooftop for drinks and take in sweeping views of Jaipur’s old walled city.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Accommodation: Ramada Katesar or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Depart your Feature Stay accommodation, then board a flight bound for Varanasi. When you arrive, make a stop at Sarnath – one of the four main Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. The site is where Buddha preached his message of the path to enlightenment and features a number of stupas and museums to explore. Then, continue to the city of Varanasi. Awash with shrines and temples, this is the ultimate destination for Hindu pilgrims who travel far and wide to experience the city’s spirituality.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Varanasi
Location: Varanasi
Accommodation: Ramada Katesar or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today starts early with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Your leader will explain the significance of India’s most sacred river as you pass by the many ghats and temples along its banks. Then, take a walking tour of the Old City and uncover its secrets as you walk through narrow laneways packed with stalls and shops, past the dhobi wallahs, burning ghats and the endless temples that echo with bells. In the evening, return to the Ganges to see it from another perspective during a sunset cruise. You’ll be joined by local musicians on board, who will play as you watch the flower and candle ceremony take place – an experience that is sure to be etched on your memory long after your time in India is over. Witness pilgrims performing ancient bathing rituals and ceremonies as the sun sets over the sacred city, then you’re free for the rest of the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Accommodation: The Grand Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Depart Varanasi and catch a morning flight to Delhi. In the afternoon, get a real taste of the city during a day tour with your leader. Navigate the city’s metro system and arrive in Old Delhi where you’ll wind through its lanes and markets. It’s not the real Delhi without a traffic jam, so you’ll hop aboard a traditional rickshaw and weave your way around the streets surrounding the Chandni Chowk marketplace. Stop by India’s oldest and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, then head into the Sikh temple of Sheeshganj Gurudwara for a moment of peace and to observe the spiritual side of this metropolis. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore at your own pace, before your final dinner as a group. This last meal will take place in a beautiful haveli dating back to 1887. Enjoy a feast of Mughlai cuisine, street food dishes and kebabs in a stunning historical setting – a perfect finale to your Indian adventure.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Delhi
Location: Delhi
Meals Included: breaksfast
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. For those who wish to stay in Delhi, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
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Delhi - Welcome dinner
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Agra - Taj Mahal
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Agra - Expert-led street food tour (as dinner)
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Agra - Agra Fort
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Ranthambhore National Park - Morning Wildlife Safari
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Ranthambhore National Park - Evening wildlife safari
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Jaipur - Amber Fort
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Jaipur - Home-cooked dinner
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Jaipur - City Palace
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- TRANSPORT IN INDIA
- Main roads in India are usually very busy with an assortment of vehicles from the biggest trucks (who always have right of way) down to bikes (and animals!). Overtaking on blind corners at speed is common as is the total use of the horn as a form of communication. Our leaders have complete authority to remove groups from local transport if the driver is not driving safely. Drivers of our private vehicles are experienced and well trained. If you are uncomfortable with your driver, please always let your tour leader know immediately. Please ensure you wear your seat belt at all times.
- TRAVEL TIMES
- Distances in India do not reflect the driving time and to cover 100km may take much longer than you would expect at home, even if much of the route is on a highway.
- TRAINS:
- India has a massive network of trains and millions of people travel by rail every day. Trains often travel the length of the country over several days. Trains are a great way to see the countryside and get you away from the busy road system. Delays and cancellations are common on trains. Your tour leader will check the train status to see if there are delays and will do their best to keep you informed of any changes.
- From December to February, delays are more common, especially in the north of the country due to fog. It’s not uncommon for trains to be delayed for up to 12 hours. On occasion, your trip may need to be rerouted to allow for these delays. Your tour leader in conjunction with our local office will advise any changes to the itinerary.
- FLIGHTS
- Airlines in India are of excellent quality. Airports are becoming more modern (especially in the major and tourist cities). To enter the airport, you must have a copy of your flight ticket and passport. Schedule changes and delays do occur, especially when weather conditions make visibility poor.
- AUTO RICKSHAWS
- On this trip we may travel in a local style of transport called an auto-rickshaw. These small, motorised three-wheeled vehicles are a common form of transport in India and do not have seatbelts.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- ACCOMMODATION
- The hotel accommodation on this trip is in air-conditioned rooms. Some areas of India experience daily load shedding. This is where the power may be turned off at certain times of the day and usually occurs for a few hours in the early afternoon. Most hotel properties have a restaurant or cafe serving local meals. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
- SHOWERS:
- Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
- WIFI:
- Generally, WiFi is available in most parts of India and at most of the accommodation we use. Sometimes it's free in the room, other times only available in reception or public areas. A general rule of thumb is the more expensive the hotel, the higher charge for WiFi access. Your group leader or local representative can assist locally in accessing the internet.
- ISSUES:
- If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your group leader or local representative right away rather than your travel agent so that the problem can be addressed without delay.
Important Information
- 1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
- 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room?on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip?and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 3. Please provide a scanned copy of your passport bio page at time of booking to secure a permit for your Ranthambhore National Park visit. Authorities at the park follow a strict booking process whereby permits are issued on a first come first serve basis. If we do not receive your passport scan in time we cannot guarantee you will be able to join the safari. Your full name will need to be provided exactly as it appears on your passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for flight tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket if an amendment occurs.
- 4. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on. You can store excess luggage at the start point hotel. Currently, there are no non-stop flights operating between Jaipur and Varanasi, so you will fly through Delhi. This flight will require an early morning start time.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
In the summer months, Rajasthan can get very hot. Be sure to drink lots of water, pack light cotton clothing and use adequate skin protection.
There are several early mornings on this trip, as many parts of India really come alive in the dawn light.
It can get foggy between December and February, which can put a new spin on the already spectacular scenery. However, it may cause traffic congestion and delays. -
Are internal flights included in this tour?
Yes, Jaipur to
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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